Biographies

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Women Who Changed the World

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Everyone's Reading

Martha Washington grew up on a farm. Dolley Madison helped her mom run a boarding house. Eleanor Roosevelt became an orphan when she was nine years old. But like so many women before them, they didn’t let their circumstances determine who they’d be. They read, and they wrote. They taught, and they listened. And they left a mark on the world that we still see today in our parks, schools, and workplaces.

From Washington to Obama, come learn from eleven courageous women who did their best to make change for the better. Will you change the world in your own way? And when you do, will your name be listed next to theirs? The whole world is waiting to find out.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World is an introduction to some incredible women who used their time in the White House to help others. Written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Giovana Medeiros, the book explores themes of selflessness, perseverance, humility, and the importance of learning. Published by Familius.

Can anyone change the world? These presidential women thought so—and they’ve got the life stories to prove it.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed The World

Seasonal - Fall

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Kid at Heart

Elementary

Did you know, voting is just like making a choice? Apples or Oranges? Ice Cream or Cupcake? Some choices are easy, some are hard; but, when you make a choice, you can say that you 'voted' for it. Voting usually includes a lot of people though, with different opinions, all making a choice together. So, how does a big group of people all make a choice together, and why is it important that they are able to?

I Voted is a wonderful introduction to the basic concepts of democracy. The informative and nonpartisan message shows young readers just how powerful and important voting can be. With engaging artwork, and a story that is accessible to all ages, I Voted makes the act of voting easily understandable, and fun! 

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference is written by Mark Shulman, illustrated by Serge Bloch, and published by Neal Porter Books / Holiday House.

A fun–and informative–introduction to democracy, and how important and powerful voting can be.

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference

Sing-alongs and Music

America the Beautiful is one of the most popular patriotic songs in the United States of America. Based on the original lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates, My America, the Beautiful is a modern day take on the classic tune. This catchy sing-along celebrates diversity, unity, freedom and the greatest ideals of the American dream.

Follow a single piece of thread as it weaves through history and various quintessential scenes of Americana, as people of different cultures and creed join together in celebration of unity. My America, the Beautiful is published by Familius, who’s mission is to teach, inspire, and bring families together.

Celebrate diversity and unity with this sing-along based on the song America The Beautiful.

My America, the Beautiful

Be Brave

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

Vooks at a Glance

Be Caring and Kind

All Seasons

From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Courageous People Who Changed the World is a perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world. The heroic true stories are told through simple text and engaging illustrations, sure to become an instant favorite for young audiences. Featured are William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai. Each story will inspire courage, determination, and a belief that anyone can change the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

The perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World

Be Creative

Camp Vooks

5 Minutes or Less

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future. Could she be an astronaut? A farmer? Maybe a scientist? A dentist? An engineer? Or maybe, she can be all of them! Nazari has the courage and confidence to dream big, not putting any limits on what is possible! 

Party Nazari’s Fantastic Future is written by Nate Carter and illustrated by Sam Niemann.


Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future, and the courage and confidence to dream big!


Party Nazari's Fantastic Future!

New Books

S.T.E.A.M.

Can one girl's curiosity change the world? It did a few hundred years ago, when Maria Sibylla Merian advanced science by drawing super-detailed pictures of insects and plants. And it did almost a thousand years ago, when Hildegard of Bingen figured out that water must be cleaned before people can drink it. And it did again with Jane Cooke Wright, and again with Linda Buck, and again with Barbara McClintock, and again, and again, and again. 

What scientific question do you have? And what’s your best guess—your hypothesis—for what you think might be the answer? Your curiosity might lead you somewhere incredible. Who knows? It might even change the world.

Introducing the basics of biology with topics like cells, DNA, genes, research, experiments, and more, Women in Biology is the first book in the “Science Wide Open” series. The story answers complex ideas in a way that’s both accurate and approachable, challenging readers to begin their own journey of discovery and wonder. Written by Mary Wissinger, illustrated by Danielle Pioli, created and edited by John Coveyou, and published by Science, Naturally!

Can one girl's curiosity change the world? It’s not really a question of if—it’s a question of how.

Women In Biology

Read Along With Vooks

Vooks Originals

Little Samantha had a BIG dream: to be an Olympian! She loved gymnastics, the way the athletes moved on the floor, the vault, the uneven bars and the balance beam. With the support of her parents, Samantha worked hard and dreamed BIG! To be an Olympian Samantha would have to be the very best, or so she thought. When adversity struck again and again, Samantha had to learn the true meaning of being an Olympian and being her best self.

Based on the life and story of Olympian Samantha Peszek, Little Girl Big Dream inspires children to dream BIG, work hard, love themselves and to support and encourage others. Little Girl Big Dream is written by Leslie Harter, Illustrated by Hayley Moore and published by Vooks.

Samantha had a BIG dream! Being an Olympian meant she had to be the very best, or so she thought...

Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek

Free Access

Ronnie Lott has always been tough. As a kid, when he fell down, he felt something inside him start to rumble. That something was a voice called Grit. On the court or off the field, no matter where he went or what he played, Grit was there. When he tumbled, Grit said, “Get back up!” When he fumbled, Grit said, “Let’s try again!”

When Grit helps Ronnie become a professional football player, he’ll have a shot at achieving his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him? Join Ronnie as he pushes his limits and answers the question: Is Grit living in all of us? If so, how can we learn to hear its voice?

Ronnie and his Grit is based on the true-life story of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. A tribute to the power of courage, respect, self-restraint, and unflinching resolve, Ronnie and his Grit is a 2021 Vooks Original. Written by Ronnie Lott and Leslie Harter and illustrated by Jonathan Sundy.


Ronnie has an inner voice named Grit, and it pushes him to achieve his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him?

Ronnie and His Grit

Mindfulness

Sick Day Stories

Meet Allegro, a young boy who can’t stand practicing the piano. It’s hard and frustrating and he is ready to give up—until the music itself suddenly whisks him away on a magical adventure!Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Follow along as Allegro is carried through a range of emotive landscapes, each accompanied by a famous classical theme. Little ones will appreciate music in a whole new way as they discover that becoming a great musician (or anything for that matter) is only possible with patience and practice.

This wondrous story comes from family focused publisher, Familius. Allegro is masterfully written by David Miles and beautifully illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.

Music comes to life in this magical journey through 11 classical masterpieces!

Allegro

Early Childhood

Foundational Reading

Dreaming is good most anytime, but it’s especially good at night. And when you dream, what do you dream you’ll be? A mountain climber brave, or a captain of the sea? A movie star with your name up in lights, or a superhero flying around in tights? Maybe you’ll be a doctor saving people’s lives, or a beekeeper tending buzzing hives.

A world of magic is waiting to be discovered—magic maybes for imagined somedays that wait in your future. No matter who or what you choose to be, one thing is for sure: You have a whole lot of options. And of course, you can always change your mind.

A love letter to the endless possibilities of youth, Dream You’ll Be imagines all the futures a child can pursue. Written by Joseph T. Garcia in a rhythmic poem, the book is illustrated by Kimberley Barnes and published by Rainstorm Publishing.

Do you dream about who and what you’ll grow up to be? A mountain climber, a movie star, a captain of the sea?

Dream You'll Be

Bedtime

When a young boy finds a strange stick in the park, his life completely changes. The stick fills his mind with imagination and wonder, helping him achieve his dreams and live a happy and full life. But it's not until years later that he discovers the full meaning of the stick and the true power of giving.

Imagination lives in you! This beautiful story, created by silhouette artist and children's author Clay Rice, celebrates imagination and kindness. The calming imagery, heartfelt story and soothing tone make it perfect as a bedtime story or to enjoy anytime of the day. Published by Familius, The Stick brings a warm story to life that is sure to inspire little ones to dream big and share the gift of imagination with others.

A young boy finds a stick in the park that completely changes his life forever.

The Stick

Set long ago in the heart of the African savanna, Dream Big—a mythological fable—follows moody Baboon as he discovers a powerful secret.

One by one, Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo gaze up at the night sky and wish upon a star for their wildest dreams. Baboon insists these dreams could never come true. But when he sees Caterpillar turn into a winged butterfly, Tadpole into a dancing frog, and Flamingo into a beautiful pink bird, Baboon realizes that a transformative power exists between the stars and the animals once they truly believe in themselves and their dreams. When Baboon tries out this secret, CATCH-M, his Magical, Mystical, Wished-Upon Star, whooshes down from the heavens to wham! ignite the courage in his chest. Read on to see if his dream comes true too . . .

Dream Big's inspirational message makes it perfect for dreamers of all ages. Together we can all be inspired to identify and pursue our dreams, no matter how big or impossible they may seem. Dream Big is written by Kat Kronenberg, illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin, and published by Greenleaf Book Group Press.

When moody Baboon discovers a secret, and believes in himself, will his dream finally come true?

These storybooks and biographies showcase boldness, confidence, and dreaming big!